New goal of $50k set in Relay for Life golf event

Due to the positive outpouring of support for Weyerhaeuser's Relay for Life golf tournament, event organizers have set a new fundraising goal of $50,000.

Weyerhaeuser Philadelphia Plant Manager Stan Webb, himself a cancer survivor, said that so far response for the event scheduled for Sept. 27 at the Dancing Rabbit Golf Club has been excellent because 32 teams have signed up for the event raising more than $28,000.

"I am really pleased with the results so far," Webb said. "It has really been incredible. People really want to be involved. I will tell you that everyone that I have asked to participate has said yes. I really think we can reach our new goal of $50,000."

Webb said the outpouring so far is a testament to the local community.

"We always step up when the need arises," Webb said. "So many local businesses and businesses from outside the area have stepped up to help this event be a success."

The company has held an annual golf tournament for Relay for many years, but this year has decided to invite other businesses to participate as partners in the event in hopes of getting all of Philadelphia and Neshoba County involved.

Webb said the fall event is not intended to replace the regular spring Relay for Life event but is meant to be a different type of opportunity for businesses to participate.

Webb said the partnerships, which require a $1,000 minimum fundraising commitment include a three-person team entry into the tournament, one hole sponsorship and equal billing on all promotional literature. Webb is trying to get at least 40 businesses to sign up and participate.

Webb said additional opportunities also exist including individual hole sponsorships and donations in honor of a cancer survivor or someone who has passed as a result of cancer.

"We want to give people an opportunity who maybe aren't able to be full partners to participate as well," Webb said. "One of the things we are looking at is allowing people to provide 'In Honor' wreaths which we will place around the golf course. Those buying wreaths will also have the opportunity to have their wreaths placed during Relay's spring event.

He said that while the primary goal is to raise money for Relay, he hopes that this event can also be a way to bring businesses in the area together.

Those interested in participating can contact Webb at stan.webb@weyerhaeuser.com.